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Australia’s Biggest Duck Race to Fight Cancer Returns to West End

The annual Australia’s Biggest Duck Race for Cancer Research returns to West End’s Riverside Drive on Sunday, 14 October 2018. The ducks are all ready to have a fun-filled day at the banks of the Brisbane River.

For its 12th year, the quacking great race is giving one lucky duck a chance to win $25,000 cash or car.

Photo credit: Australia’s Biggest Duck Race/Facebook

All proceeds from the Duck Race will go towards cancer research and will support innovative, life-saving cancer research based at the PA Hospital Campus which is home to the world’s first cancer vaccine.

Event Details

What: Australia’s Biggest Duck Race for Cancer Research

When: Sunday, 14 October 2018 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Riverside Drive, West End

Buy Duck Tickets

Activities and Competitions

Australia’s Biggest Duck Race

The event’s main race is on at 4:00 p.m. and will see tens of thousands of yellow rubber ducks race along a 100-metre course.

Prizes for the main race include:

First prize: Winner gets a chance to choose between $25,000 cash or a Motor Vehicle to the value of $25,000.

Second prize: A boat supplied by Port of Brisbane valued at $10,000 and a $400 BCF voucher.

Event staff will collect the rubber ducks afterwards so that nothing will be left wandering around the river.

Go Quackers Kids’ Zone

This is an area dedicated for kids to have fun, learn, and explore.

Little quackers will get a chance to meet Festival Ambassadors and Network TEN personalities, Ollie and Elly from Toasted TV. Children can also watch live stage shows from Ranger Stacey and Totally Wild.

Other activities for kids include Air Brush Tattoos, Animal Farm, Fairy Floss, Climbing Wall, and Face Painting. They also get to enjoy slushies and popcorn.

Giant Duck Race

The race will see competitors take on each other as they ride a giant inflatable duck on the Brisbane River. Prepare for a good laugh as the giant ducks battle down a 50-metre course.

Regatta Gourmet Street Bites

A selection of delectable food from the Regatta Gourmet Street will surely satisfy hungry festival goers. Visitors can savour deliciously made pizza, calamari, tandoori skewers, sausage rolls, and pies as well as a mouth-watering spit roast.

Regatta Ducks Nuts Inn

Open for adults above 18 years, The Regatta Ducks Nuts Inn will be having a bar serving your favourite drinks. Watching the races will perhaps be more fun with a sip of your favourite drink.

Full details of the program will soon be announced. Visit the event’s website for updates.

Brisbane Fashion Month 2018 to have an Outdoor Fashion Runway in West End

A month-long celebration of fashion awaits fashionistas this October with Brisbane Fashion Month 2018. This year, an outdoor fashion runway is coming to West End’s new West Village precinct.

Brisbane Fashion Month is having a series of events that will showcase the best of the Brisbane and Queensland fashion community.

Brisbane Fashion Month 2018 Events

Photo credit: Brisbane Fashion Month/Facebook

For its third year, audiences will be able to see more than 35 local designers’ collections. From active, swim, and resort wear to occasion and bridal collections from some of the biggest names in Queensland fashion, the event’s series of runways are sure to draw a crowd of fashion lovers, sponsors, and industry alike.

This year’s events include the BFM 2018 Wintergarden pop-up store, Ethical Clothing Australia forum, Next Gen Fashion Show, Bespoke Designer Runway, and Wintergarden Fashion Runway.

In addition, you can learn, network, and create opportunity with Brisbane Fashion Month’s signature event, BFM Business Workshop.

Ending with the night of nights, the Resort Finale will showcase resort glamour and high-end designer fashion as only Queensland knows how. Tickets for the finale event is inclusive of a three-hour food and beverage package, so make sure to dress to impress.

For the full event information, visit Brisbane Fashion Month 2018’s events page.

Event Prizes and Publication

Photo credit: brisbanefashionmonth.com.au

This year’s celebration also includes the release of a new publication called The Pocket Guide to Brisbane Fashion. The publication contains 84 pages full of inspiration for your next fashion find. Discover and shop from local designers and support the industry you love.

The Pocket Guide is available at all Brisbane Fashion Month events and is included with each ticket. You may also download your own copy for $3.95.

Brisbane’s most glamorous event is also giving one lucky fashionista a chance to win a $3,000 Flight Centre Gift Card for a shopping holiday in Hong Kong. Feeling lucky? Simply fill out the online form to enter.

Visit Brisbane Fashion Month 2018’s official website to learn more.

Jane Street, West End Residential Towers | Proposed Development

A development application for two residential towers containing a total of 145 apartments at Jane Street, West End has been submitted.

Aria Property Group has submitted a proposal to develop two 12-storey dwellings located at 105-117 Jane Street across Davies Park and overlooking the Brisbane River. Designed by Rothelowman, the two towers will have one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment units, along with two ground-floor retail tenancies.

Artist impression of the proposed development

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The development will be completed in two stages. Stage 1 will comprise part of the podium, access driveway , and building 1. Stage, on the other hand, will comprise the rest of the podium and building 2.

Artist impression of the proposed development

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The building will feature a facade decorated with flowering trees, complimenting the existing park. The rooftop, on the other hand, will deliver a resort-style experience with dining and recreation facilities located adjacent to areas or along the natural creek areas.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The rooftop level of each tower will have communal and private spaces. The communal area will have an overall area of 1,128 square metres with a pool, outdoor gym, and hidden sun lounge.

Community Response

Locals have expressed concerns, however, about the environmental impact of the residential development. Cr Jonathan Sri, The Gabba Ward, said that despite the towers being zoned for 12-storeys, they look and feel like 15 or 16 storey towers. The towers’ car park will also accommodate a total of 182 cars which will generate more traffic on the already congested Jane Street.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

“A lot of residents are very concerned that these towers will block out the sun on this northern side of Davies Park, which would be extremely detrimental to the community garden,” Cr Jonathan Sri said in his Facebook post.

“My personal view is that for the site at 107 to 117 Jane Street, a height limit of 6 to 8 storeys would be more appropriate (particularly when you consider that this end of Jane St can’t handle much more traffic). Campbell Newman’s South Brisbane Riverside Neighbourhood Plan (which was introduced a couple of years ago and which the State Government still hasn’t removed) allows 12 storeys. The two towers that the developers have proposed are technically only 12 storeys, but some levels are twice the height of a normal residential storey, which means in practice the height of these buildings is more like a 15 or 16-storey tower.

I think 6 to 8 storeys is a better compromise for this part of West End, because it would cause a lot less shadowing of the park and because 8-storey buildings are closer to the heights of the tallest trees in this area (whereas 12 storey towers tend to dominate the natural treeline and are not human-scale),” Cr Sri said.

Cr Sri is encouraging local residents to make their submissions about their concerns about the development project under DA A005008930.

105-117 Jane Street, West End

Survey Seeks to Find Traffic Choke Points and Transport Issues in West End, Inner South

The Government has launched a survey that seeks to identify traffic choke points and transport issues in West End and the rest of Inner South.

In the online survey, participants are asked to describe their travel experiences to help the Department of Transport and Main Roads to better understand the area’s current and future transport challenges and opportunities.

Feedback from the community will be used for the South Brisbane Transport and Mobility Study. This study will help map a way forward to ensure a safe and reliable transport system for the inner south.

The CollabMap

A CollabMap is now available for locals to give their inputs online. This is an easy-to-use online mapping tool which can be used to pinpoint specific issues.

According to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, the study will consider all transport modes as well as seek community input.

“Public comment will be a major component to ensure a complete picture of key connections to the area via river, road and rail,” Mr Bailey said.

“The study will look at access to education hubs, cultural precincts, and essential services such as hospitals – covering the suburbs of South Brisbane, West End, Highgate Hill, Dutton Park, Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, East Brisbane and Annerley,” he added.

Residents can use the interactive mapping tool to share where they think there is a transport or mobility issue.

In fact, several transport problems have already been raised for Vulture Street and Montague Road. Issues that were mentioned include the need for a dedicated cycle lane, reduced speed limit, a safe pedestrian and bike crossing as well as the implementation of priority for buses.

When having your say and using the pins in the interactive mapping tool, think about your travel experiences in relation to:

Available information explaining the network and how to use it;
Connections to destination centres and surrounding neighbourhoods;
Safety and personal security on the network; and
The range of travel options available.

Community Consultation

The study will also investigate ongoing and emerging traffic and transport pressures on key connections via the river. Photo credit: CC-BY/Brisbane City Council/Flickr

Furthermore, the Government rolled out a community engagement program to give the inner city residents an opportunity to contribute their valuable local knowledge.

Apart from using the CollabMap, locals can also provide inputs by completing the community survey online or visiting community engagement booths. The survey will be open until 31 October 2018.

Schedule of Community Engagement Booths

Corner Boundary Street and Russell Street, West End (Lizard sculpture)	Tuesday, 25 September 2018 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Goodwill Bridge (South Bank side)	Saturday, 29 September 2018 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Buranda Village shopping centre	Tuesday, 2 October 2018 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Thursday, 4 October 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
West End markets (Davies Park)	Saturday, 6 and 27 October 2018 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park (near Bar Spritz)	Tuesday, 9 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Gladstone Road shops (corner Gladstone Road and Blakeney Street)	Thursday, 11 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Ecosciences Precinct (near Cafe Eco)	Tuesday, 16 October 2018 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
South Brisbane Station (forecourt)	Wednesday, 17 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Woolloongabba Fiveways (Logan Road and Stanley Street)	Sunday, 21 October 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
South Bank Busway Station	Wednesday, 24 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Mowbray Park (near Ferry Terminal)	Thursday, 25 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Aldi Shopping Centre (Montague Road)	Tuesday, 30 October 2018 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Learn more about the South Brisbane Transport and Mobility Study by visiting the official website. You may also contact southbrisbanestudy@tmr.qld.gov.au for more information.

Modern Recycling Depot in West End to Open in November for Container Refund Scheme

A modern recycling depot in West End is expected to be finished in time for the “Go Live” date of the Container Refund Scheme on 1 November. Subject to approval by the Brisbane City Council, the proposal will establish the recycling depot at 281 Montague Road, West End.

West End Recycling Depot Proposed Site

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

About the Container Refund Scheme

By incentivizing consumers to return their empty beverage containers, the Container Refund Scheme or “Containers for Change,” aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste from container litter through recycling.

“The Container Refund Scheme will encourage recycling while also reducing the amount of plastic we see in the environment,” The Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said in a media statement in August 2018.

Video credit: Containers for Change QLD/YouTube

“There will be a range of different type of refund point options such as permanent depot-style points, bag drops and reverse vending machines.

“Some container refund points will be mobile and use the ‘pop up’ concept to ensure the reach of our scheme extends into regional and remote areas.

“By providing a range of convenient and accessible refund point solutions more Queenslanders will be able to participate in and benefit from the scheme,” Ms Enoch said.

Implementing Organisation and Operator

Container Exchange (CoEx), the Government appointed Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the CRS, will implement a total of 230 refund points across the state by November 1st.

The refund points are the sites where residents can return their eligible empty beverage containers for a refund of ten cents for each container. The returned beverage containers are then collected for recycling.

TOMRA, Global sensor-based solutions provider and reverse vending leader, is one of the official operators of the Container Refund Scheme. They are expected to operate a total of 10 refund points which will be located in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba areas.

TOMRA Reverse Vending Machine

Photo credit: TOMRA Collection Solutions/tomra.com

“Each depot will be equipped with 9-12 TOMRA reverse vending machines, a bag-drop option and TOMRA’s Bulk Collection Systems to handle returns of large numbers of containers. The popular myTOMRA app will also provide opportunity for electronic payout of recycling refunds and details on depot locations and opening hours,” TOMRA’s website said.

“Both the RVM and Bag Drop options provide a refund to the customer, via either electronic payment, printed voucher or the refund can be donated to a charity. This means all TOMRA depots operate on a cashless basis,” TOMRA said in their proposal.

The West End depot, along with other TOMRA modern depots, will be a clean and convenient location for consumers to return their empty containers. The “front of house”, a clean and air-conditioned area, is where the customers will enter and complete their returns. The TOMRA modern depots will operate 7 days a week from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

How to Participate in Containers for Change

To participate, consumers should follow four key steps:

Collect eligible containers
Create your scheme account
Take your containers to a refund point
Collect your refund or make a donation

Excluded Beverage Containers:

Generally excluded containers are those that are less than 150ml and greater than 3L. Other excluded containers include:

Any plain milk containers
Any glass containers which have contained wine or pure spirits
Containers 1L or more which have contained flavoured milk, pure fruit or vegetable juice, cask wine or cask water
Concentrated/undiluted cordial or syrup containers
Sachets above 250ml which have contained wine
Registered health tonics

Plain milk bottles, glass wine bottles, and other excluded containers that can still be recycled may be dropped at existing kerbside collection or drop-off services.

For information regarding eligible containers and for more updates, you may check the Containers for Change or Containers Exchange website.

281 Montague Rd, West End QLD 4101

West End River Hub to Boost Tourism Along Brisbane River

The River Access Network, which includes the West End River Hub, is set to maximise tourism and recreation opportunities at key lifestyle precincts in Brisbane by the end of the year.

River Access Network

Brisbane is a renowned River City. However, Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city currently has limited opportunities for visitors to experience Brisbane River. This is due to a lack of short-term river-based infrastructure.

“Council is investing $18 million this term to deliver a range of river-based tourism and leisure opportunities, including public pontoons at New Farm Park, Dutton Park and West End,” Cr Schrinner said.

West End River Hub — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The River Access Network will provide hop-on, hop-off sites for city-sights tours tinnies, stand-up paddle boards, jet skis, and canoes.

It will also deliver water taxi services and trips to Moreton Bay and the islands that will help boost recreational opportunities for the city’s $6.3 billion tourism industry.

West End River Hub

According to Infrastructure Chairman Cr Amanda Cooper, the West End River Hub will include a 25-metre long pontoon. The pontoon will accommodate up to 10 vessels at any one time.

Cr Cooper also said that West End is already one of the city’s bustling lifestyle precincts. This river hub will boost tourism opportunities in the quiet reach of the river.

The new river hub will allow visitors to dock their kayaks, canoes, or tinnies while enjoying what West End has to offer.

“Six piles have been driven into the riverbed, ready to support the new pontoon and gangway that will be floated to the riverside location and ready to use by October this year,” Cr Cooper said.

River Access Hubs

Works on other river access hubs have also started. They are already constructing the pontoons on both New Farm and Dutton Park river hubs. These pontoons will hit the water by the end of the year.

“These new docking facilities are only the beginning of Brisbane’s River Access Network, with plans also progressing for a river hub at the City Botanic Gardens that will be connected to a new 176-metre riverwalk,” Cr Cooper added.

Proposed 176-metre riverwalk in Alice Street, Brisbane. Photo credit: Brisbane Planning Development Online

The development application for the said project has already been lodged. Plans for the facility includes three fingers as well as a larger area for tour boats to pick up and drop off.

Upon completion, the new riverwalk will accommodate up to 15 vessels at any one time.

Controversial West End Development Site Deal Secured

Amidst strong opposition and protests from local residents, the Crown Group has secured the West End Development Site at 117 Victoria Street. The site development will be Crown Group’s first project in Brisbane. So far, the said deal is the largest development site sale in Brisbane’s city fringe market this 2018. Once completed, the development will be worth $350 million.

*Photo credit: British City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Even before sealing the $35 million the deal, Crown already has a development application submitted for the site last December 2017. The application is for the development of a riverfront 12-storey residential tower, comprising 446 apartments. There will be a retail space in the 2 two-storey podium, 530 car parking spaces, and recreational areas.

Locals have expressed concerns regarding the development plan. They raised the issue over the controversial development plan, among other concerns, during a protest that led to the shutting down of the surrounding streets of Vulture Street and Montague Road.

“By exceeding height limits and setbacks, the developer is increasing the density of the site substantially. This will place additional strain on existing local infrastructure, particularly the road network and public transport services, which are already well beyond capacity.” Greens councillor for The Gabba Ward Jonathan Sri said.

“Private developments of this kind do not significantly improve housing affordability for low-income residents over the long-term. Unless this development includes a significant component of public housing or affordable community housing (means-tested with rent capped at 25% of a person’s weekly income), it should not be approved, regardless of whether it satisfies the South Brisbane Riverside Neighbourhood Plan or not,” Cr Sri said.

The site currently is home to a 5,100 sqm office and warehouse facility previously occupied by Computershare. The land is one of the last remaining development sites that is over one hectare in Brisbane’s inner south area. Crown’s purchase of the property signals the return of positive market sentiment and prospects of positive growth in the future. The council is currently reviewing the DA A004827228 and has extended the decision period until 8 October.

117 Victoria St, West End QLD 4101

Armakeggon 2018 is Back with its First-Ever Two-Day Event in West End

Craft beer fans, get ready for the signature event of West End’s Archive Beer Boutique. Armakeggon 2018 is back and promises to be bigger and better this year!

This year’s ultimate beer fest will be held over a two-day span for the first time ever, on 25-26 August 2018.

Beer lovers are sure to get a load of quality booze as Armakeggon 2018 features over 50 craft beers and ciders from Australia and around the world on rotating taps.

If you are going to the event with a very competitive friend, you can check out several games that will be up for everyone to enjoy such as their amazing race competition, beer trivia, brewery stall games, giant Jenga and much more. Plus, aim for bragging rights and try to be crowned King or Queen of Armakeggon.

From its humble beginnings in 2010, the “annual pilgrimage to hop and malt utopia” has fully transformed into a much-loved Brisbane craft beer institution. Brewery stalls, exclusive merchandise, and live music will also be available at the event.

Armakeggon 2018 poster — Photo credit: Archive Beer Boutique/Facebook

Event highlights include Country vs. Country tap takeovers on Saturday and one-off international speciality releases on Sunday. Ticket costs $20 (plus booking fee) for general admission and one ticket gets you entry to both days.

Armakeggon 2018 will be running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on 25-26 August 2018 at the Archive Beer Boutique located at 100 Boundary Street, West End. Visit their website or Facebook page for more information.

Buy tickets

Draft for the Improvement Plans of West End’s Davies Park Open for Community Feedback

Brisbane City Council has developed a draft improvement plan for Davies Park, West End as part of its commitment to keeping Brisbane clean and green, and making the city livable and sustainable for future generations. The plan is set to provide a blueprint for future upgrades for the park.

Davies Park is a valued green space in West End that provides sport and recreation opportunities for the community. Feedback received in the community consultation in late 2017 has helped in the development of the key features of the improvement plan. The park’s improvement plan will focus on the following:

increasing and enhancing accessible green space
promoting a sense of community and celebrating its cultural heritage
increasing recreational use of the park.
maintaining the park’s natural appeal
improving connection through the park.

The Council worked with the Southern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club who have had a presence in the park for more than 100 years. The club has agreed to reduce their leased area to improve outcomes for the community. The additional area will increase green space and provide room for new park features that can be enjoyed by the club and the wider community.

The project’s allocation of $2.1 million this financial year will be used to help in the delivery of key elements of the plan, with a progressive delivery of other elements in future years based on citywide priorities for park improvements.

The proposed key features for the current draft improvement plan includes:

New green spaces and connections
Upgraded park roadway
Creative play area
Multi-use hard courts
Relocation of the community garden
Drainage upgrades
Additional features such as seats, picnic tables and drinking fountains

The draft improvement plan for Davies Park, West End is still open for community feedback. Online submission of feedbacks for the draft improvement plan for the park will be open until Friday, 24 August 2018. This round of consultation will help in finalising the plan.

Improvement works are anticipated to commence in 2019.

To learn more about the Council’s Davies Park improvement project in West End, visit the project’s official page. You may also call the Council on 07 3403 8888 or send an email to parks@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Great Spots for Organic Food Options at West End

West End is now home to several organic shopping destinations as the demand for healthier food options and organic products increase.

The number of people consciously eating healthier meals is on the rise. In fact, according to the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers, 10% more Australians are opting to get their protein requirements from dairy and plants rather than meat in their quest to adopt healthy eating habits. Processed food is also becoming unpopular as more consumers prefer buying fresh and locally sourced organic products.

If you are still transitioning to a healthier diet, or already eating healthy, here are some of the great spots where you can get organic food and produce in West End.

Miss Bliss Wholefoods Kitchen Brisbane

Miss Bliss platters Photo credit: Miss Bliss Whole Foods Kitchen/Facebook

Focusing on providing healthy, organic food options to people in Brisbane, Miss Bliss offers nourishing and delicious whole foods that are unprocessed and free from refined sugar. Their restaurant boasts creations that are free from additives and support both local and organic produce as much as possible.

Photo credit: Miss Bliss Whole Foods Kitchen/Facebook

Their menu includes a selection of great tasting food that is good for you such as their crowd-favourite nut and seed loaf, vegan burgers, acai bowls, and more.

Miss Bliss is open from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends. Visit their official page to learn more.

Location: 85 Vulture St, West End

Plenty West End

Plenty is one of the local-favourite brunch spots in West End that celebrates an abundance of locally grown food and the people who produce it.

Guided by their ethos, “know your farmer”, their meals highlight organic produce with responsible origins. Their all-day breakfast menu includes their famous avo on toast with pickled eggs and toasted seeds as well as various vegan and gluten-free options.

Plenty West End is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. Visit their website to learn more.

Location: 284 Montague Road, West End

Grown

For those looking for plant-based dining in West End, Grown is a vegan/vegetarian restaurant with a seasonal menu. The restaurant utilises produce from FoodConnect, Suncoast Fresh, and The Falls Farm which is a family-run organic farm in Mapleton, Queensland.

Their brunch menu includes a selection of vegetarian and vegan delights including their popular scrambled tofu with local oyster mushrooms, sesame cheese, and organic sourdough toast. The restaurant also has an extensive dinner and wine, beer, and spirits menu.

Grown is open for breakfast and lunch from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday and for dinner, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday – Saturday. Visit their official page to learn more.

Location: Shop 3, 21 Buchanan Street, West End

Ripe n Raw Organics

If you want to cook your own healthy food, you can order fresh organic produce from Ripe n Raw Organics and have them delivered right at your doorstep.

A post shared by Ripe n Raw Organics (@ripenraworganics) on Apr 14, 2017 at 1:14pm PDT

Ripe n Raw Organics sells 100% certified organic and locally grown produce supporting sustainable farming practices around Australia. They’ve been a regular at the Davies Park Market in West End which is open every Saturday morning, however, their stall tends to sell out by 11:00 a.m. so, make sure to be there early.

Photo credit: Ripe n Raw Organics Home Delivery/Facebook

If you can’t make it to the market, you can place your order online instead and have the fresh organic produce delivered to you. Visit their website to learn more about their home delivery option.